This relation informs us how the solution of the simultaneous equations, co-efficient x, y and the constant terms in the equations are inter-related, we can take this relation as a formula and use it to solve any two simultaneous equations. Avoiding the general steps of elimination, we can solve the two simultaneous equations directly.

So, the formula for cross-multiplication and its use in solving two simultaneous equations can be presented as:

If (a₁b₂ - a₂b₁) ≠ 0 from the two simultaneous linear equations

a₁x + b₁y + c₁ = 0 ----------- (i)

a₂x + b₂y + c₂ = 0 ----------- (ii)

we get, by the cross-multiplication method:

x/(b₁c₂ - b₂c₁) = y/(c₁a₂ - c₂a₁) = 1/(a₁b₂ - a₂b₁) ---------- (A)

That means, x = (b₁c₂ - b₂c₁)/(a₁b₂ - a₂b₁)

y = (c₁a₂ - c₂a₁)/(a₁b₂ - a₂b₁)

Note:

If the value of x or y is zero, that is, (b₁c₂ - b₂c₁) = 0 or (c₁a₂ - c₂a₁) = 0, it is not proper to express in the formula for cross- multiplication, because the denominator of a fraction can never be 0.

From the two simultaneous equations, it appears that the formation of relation (A) by cross-multiplication is the most important concept.

At first, express the co-efficient of the two equations as in the following form:

Now multiply the co-efficient according to the arrow heads and subtract the upward product from the downward product. Place the three differences under x, y and 1 respectively forming three fractions; connect them by two signs of equality.

Worked-out examples on simultaneous linear equations by using cross-multiplication method: